Cracker-sandwich making machine



F. E. FOWLER ET AL CRACKER-SANDWICH MAKING MACHINE Original Filed Oct.10, 1949 Sept. 8, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet l FRANK 5. Fa w; 4%; Paar? r JMIA/DEE,

Sept. 8, 1959 F. E. FOWLER ETAL 2,902,948

CRACKER-SANDWICH MAKING MACHINE Original Filed Oct. 10, 1949 6Sheets-Sheet 2 IIIIIIIIiI/l FERNK E. FowL EE, P05527- u'. MIA/DER,

HTTOENf/S.

Sept. 8, 1959 F. E. FOWLER ETAL 2,902,948

CRACKER-SANDWICH MAKING MACHINE Original Filed Oct. 10, 1949 6Sheets-Sheet 3 I N Gem/Toes T 7,2 i 76 FRHN/K i. FOWL 19, 36 7 70 79Passer J M/N ER Sept. 8, 1959 I F. E. FOWLER ETAL 2,902,948

CRACKER-SANDWICH MAKING MACHINE es Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Oct.10, 1949 INVENTOES: FRFM/K E. FOWLER, Foes/a7 J. MIA/05R,

Sept. 8, 1959 Y F. E.'FO\INLER ETAL 2,902,948

CRACKER-SANDWICH MAKING momma:

Original Filed on. 10, 1949 e Sheets-Sheet e r0 409mm Ma cum:

hv/s/vro/es: FRHNK E. Few/.52, Reamer J MIA/06R,

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HTTO ENE V5.

0RIV FROM MHCH/NE United States Patent CRACKER-SANDWICH MAKING MACHINEFrank Edward Fowler and Robert J. Minder, Athens, Ga.

Original application October 10, 1949, Serial No. 120,552. Divided andthis application September 12, 1957, Serial No. 683,921

4 Claims. (Cl. 107-1) The present invention relates generally toautomatic machinery for making sandwiches, and more particularly toautomatic machinery for making cracker or like sandwliches which includepeanut butter, confectionery filling, and other substances. The presentapplication is a division of our copending application Serial No.120,552, filed October 10, 1949 for Cracker-Sandwich Making Machine, andnow abandoned.

In brief, the present invention includes mechanism for receiving, mixingand dispensing filling material, separate hoppers for receiving theupper and lower crackers or the like, a continuous pusher mechanism formoving the lower cracker from a pick-up position past a position inwhich the top cracker is received, and on to a sandwich dischargeposition, a device for pressing the assembled crackers with filling to adesired thickness, devices for stopping the machine or for giving asuitable warning upon failure of the continuous pusher mechanism to pickup either a bottom or a top cracker or the like, and interrelatingelements and power connections. mounted upon a rectangular frame and themovable elements are driven by a single motor. The present machine maybe operated to make four hundred to six hundred unit peanut buttercracker sandwiches or the like per minute.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novelautomatic sandwich making machine which is adapted to make crackersandwiches or the like at a high rate of speed and with uniformity ofproduct.

Another object is to provide a novel sandwich making machine which isfully automatic in the formation of the sandwiches, thereby reducing toa minimum the hand handling of the food materials employed.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic sand-.

wich making machine which is continuous in its sand wich makingoperation as long as crackers or the like and filler material aresupplied to it, but which automatically stops upon failure of crackersor the like.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic sandwich making machinewhich incorporates novel cracker or the like pick-up and releasemechanism and novel filler material depositing mechanism.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from thefollowing description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an automatic sandwich makingmachine constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention, the rear side panel being broken away for purposes ofillustrating the power mechanism;

Figure 2 is a plan view on a reduced scale, showing only the endlesspusher mechanism and its relationship to the top of the cabinet;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view looking at the otherside of the machine from that shown in Figure 1, illustrating structuraldetails;

. Figure, 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical transverse The severalelements are r6 ce cross-sectional view on substantially the line ofFigure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross sectional view onsubstatnially the line 5-5 of Figure 4;:

Figure 6 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional' view onsubstantially the line 6--6 of Fig. 5;

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view' through thefiller material receiving, mixing and dispensaing mechanism, parts beingshown in elevation;

Figure 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line88 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a further enlarged vertical-arcuate crosssectional view onsubstantially the line 9-9 of Figure 8;-

Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view on substantially the line1010 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view on substantially the line11-11 of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line12-12 of Figure 7;

Figure 13 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view onsubstantially the line 1313 of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional I view onsubstantially the line 14-14 of Figure 12;

Figure 15 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view onsubstantially the line 15--15 of Figure 8;

Figure 16 is a reduced elevational view of the filler material scraper;

Figure 17 is an enlarged plan view of the operative portion of themechanism for preventing filler material I Figure 21 is a verticalcross-sectional view on substantially the line 21-21 of Figure 6;

Figure 22 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view illustrating details ofthe sandwich presser roller sandwich centering mechanism;

Figure 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view on substantially the line23 23 of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a side elevational view of a cracker sand-..

wich formed by the present machine; Figure 25 is a vertical transversecross-sectional view through a modified mechanism for feeding crackersonto' the continuous pusher;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view on substantiall the line 2626 ofFigure 25; t

Figure 27 is a vertical cross-sectional view through one of the crackerrams and the upper end of the actuat ing shaft;

Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view on substantially the line 2828 ofFigure 27; and

Figure 29 is a diagrammatic view of mechanism for.

stacking the completed cracker sandwich for packaging upon dischargefrom the present machine.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 35indicates generally a sandwich making i machine constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Broadly, the machine 35 includes a rectangular support ing frame andcabinet 36 (Figure 1), an endless pusher mechanism 38 (Figures 2, 3), abottom cracker receiver chute 40 (Figures 3, 25), a top cracker receiverchute 42-:

(Figures 1, 25 cracker release units 44 and 44 for the) chutes. 40 and42 (Figures 5, 20), respectively, no

Patented Sept. 8, 1959 substarh and cracker cracker devices 46 and46"adjacent the chutes 40 and 42" (Figures 6, 21), respectively,a'sandwich presser'device 47 (Figures 1, 23), a filler materialreceiving, mixing and dischargingmechanism 48 (Figures 1, 718), a nocracker'device 50 for preventing discharge of filler material by saidmechanism 48 upon failure of a cracker on the endlesspusher toreceivethematerial (Figure 12), ai'motor 52 which furnishes thepower for operationof the machine 35 (Figure 1), a speed-change unit 54 (Figure 1), a gearreduction unit 56 (Figure 1), a discharge trough 58 for completedsandwiches (Figures 1, 29'); cracker sandwich stacking mechanism' 60(Figure 19), and interrelating elements both mechanical and electricalfor correlating'the actions of the several units and mechanisms.

' More :particularly considering the several mechanisms, devices; andelements'which comprise the machine 35, the supporting frame and cabinet36 is of rectangular form and includes a pair of upper longitudinalframe members 70 of angle cross section and a pair of upper end framemembers 71, also of angle cross section, which horizontally support aheavy top plate 72 and which are, in turn, supported by a plurality ofvertical frame members -73'of'angle cross section (Figure 1). Lowerlongitudinal frame members 74 and end frame members 75 (notshown), bothof angular cross section, support the vertical frame members 73 to forma sturdy frame. Suitable bolts or rivets 76 in selected numbers maintainthe several frame members together. Supporting feet 77 maintain theframe and cabinet 36 spaced from a supporting surface. Removable sidepanels 79 and end panels-80are secured to the several frame members andenclose the-motor 52 and other moving units and parts.

Theendless pusher mechanism 38 and its relationship to the plate 72 isbest shown in Figure 2. The endless pusher-mechanism 38 includes twospaced sprockets 85 and 86 which are of substantial size and whichreceive a large'endless chain 87 to which are secured spaced verticallyextending posts 88 (Figures 4, and 21). The spacing relationship of theposts 88 is correlated with the spacingof the discharge tubes of themechanism 48, as is more particularly pointed out below. As is clearfrom Figures 4 and 21, the posts 88 may be formed to serve the doublecapacity of securing selected link elements 90 of the endless chain 87together at one end, it beingunderstood that suitable rivets or the likesecure theother ends'of the link elements 90 together in the formationof the chain 87. The posts 88 may be welded to the link elements 90. Theendless chain 87 does not drag upon the upper surface of the plate 72,but moves upon spaced supporting bridges 91 which are welded orotherwise secured to the plate 72. at suitably spaced positions.Associated with the chain 87 and spaced vertically therefrom is a splittrough 95 which includes opposed identical members 96 which are spacedapart to receive between them the upper ends of the posts 88, as isclear from Figures 4 and 21. The trough members 96 are supported in themain upon suitable spaced columns 98-which are mounted on the plate 72in spaced opposed relation to each other, as is clear from the drawings.The elevation of the trough 96 from the plate 72 and from the chain 87varies around its course for purposes of first handling a bottom cracker100 or the like, and then subsequently handling the filling material,the top; cracker 101 or the like, and ultimately discharging theassembled sandwich from the machine 35, as: is more particularly pointedout below.

As is clear from Figures 1 and 2, the sprocket 86 is keyed to the upperend of a shaft 105 and is maintained againstremoval by a suitablesetscrew. The shaft 105 has bearing support against lateral movement inits upper end in a bearing 106 which is welded or otherwise securedto'the bottom of the plate 72, and at its lower end in a sleeve 107formed integral with or secured to the top. of the casing housing thegears of the gear reductioniunit 56. It is to be understood that abevelled gear or the like'is securedto the lower end of a shaft whichextends into the gear reduction unit 56 and that such bevelled gear isin engagement with the gears of the gear reduction unit 56 which is wellknown in the art and is not particularly disclosed.

The sprocket 85 is driven by the chain 87 from the sprocket 86, and isfreely rotatable on a stationary vertical shaft 110, the sprocket 85including a suitable bushing 111'for engagement of the shaft (Figure13). As is clear from Figure 13, the hub of the sprocket 85' rests onthe plate 72, it being understood that ball bearings or the'like may-beprovided if desired. The shaft 110 extends downwardly through the plate72 and is supported at its lower end in a thrust bearing 113, beingsecured thereto by suitable setscrews 114. The bearing 113 is secured toa transverse reinforcing member 115 secured to suitable vertical framemembers 73. A sleeve 116 welded or otherwise secured to the lowersurface of the plate 72 maintains the shaft 110 against lateralmovement.

The filler material containing, mixing and discharging mechanism 48 ismounted on and secured to the sprocket 85 for rotation about the shaft110 (Figures 1, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13). A heavy sleeve 120 surrounds theshaft 110 and is secured to the upper surface of the sprocket 85 bymeans of an integral flange and securing bolts 121 (Figure 13). Acentrally apertured plate 122 of annular form is formed integral with oris welded or otherwise secured .to the sleeve 120, the shaft 110extending centrally therethrough (Figure 9). A cylindrical casing 125 ismounted on the plate 122 as is shown in Figure 7 and is closed at thetop by a removable conical lid 126. As is clear from Figures 7, 10 and11, the cylindrical casing 125 rests on an annular shoulder formed inthe periphery of the plate 122. An annular groove 128 is formed in. theplate 122. in the upper surface thereof (Figures 8, 9 and 15). Aplurality of downwardly extending sleeves 129 is mounted in the groove128, each sleeve 129 being flush with the plate 122 for a portion of itsupperendand including a portion angularly directed toward the bottomof.the groove 128 as is clear from Figures 9 and 15, forming in effect amouth 130 to receive filler material when the upper ends of the tubes129' are considered in relation to a cover over the groove 128. T othelower end of each tube 129 is removably secured a nozzle 132 by asuitable setscrew 133 (Figure 9). The disclosed nozzles 132 are formedwith an internally located annular obstruction 134 to extrude ordischarge a doughnut-shaped charge of filler material 135, as is shownin Figure 19. Manifestly, the shape of the charge 135 may be varied asdesired, the nozzle 132 being replaced by another nozzle when anothercharge shape is required. In the instant disclosure, twelve nozzles 132are employed, the spacing of which is correlated with the posts 88 as isstated above. A larger or smaller number of nozzles 132 may be employed,depending upon the particular requirements of the filler material beingdischarged, and upon other factors concerning sandwiches to be formed bythe present machine 35.

A filler discharge device is provided which comprises ahorizontallydisposed plate 141 and a sleeve 142 formed integral'therewith which issecured to the shaft 110 by a suitable setscrew 143 (Figures 8-11), Theplate 141 is of wedge shape, as is clear from Figure 8 and extends outover the groove 128 to close a segment at a time. A vertically extendingsleeve 145 is formed integral with or is secured to the plate 141 in aposition above the groove 128. The sleeve 145 has a generallyrectangularly shaped internal passage which receives a rectangularlyshaped filler material extruder plunger 146 which has a bevelled lowerend 147 disposed within the groove 128 *and filling the same, as isclear from Figures 9 and. 11. A compression spring 148 biases theplunger 146 into engagement with the groove 128, the upper end ofthe-spring l48.engaging. enclosure plate 149 secured to the upper end ofthe sleeve 145 by suitable screws 150; The plunger 146 is to one side ofthe outer end of the plate 141 so that, when the plunger 146 has passeda tube 129, the segment of groove 128 between it and the next tube 129is fully covered by the plate 141, as is clear from Figure 9.Manifestly, filler material in the groove 128 ahead of the plunger 146and up to the next tube 129 will be forced into the opening 130 of thetube 129 as the plate 122 is rotated.

There is provided a filler material 135, mixing and groove 128 fillingscraper 155 which is secured to the shaft 110 by means of a bracket 156and screws. As is clear from the drawings, the scraper 155 extendsacross the plate 122 and is of irregular cross section in order toachieve maximum effect. The scraper 155 mixes and scrapes the fillermaterial 135 excess from the groove 128 as the plate 122 revolves.

The no cracker device 50 is provided for preventing discharge of fillermaterial 135 when the continuous pusher mechanism 38 fails to provide acracker 100 beneath the to be discharged tube 129, and is particularlyadvantageous in starting the machine to permit crackers to move tofilling positions. A second sleeve 160 identical with the sleeve 145 isformed integral with or is secured to the plate 141 in spaced relationto the sleeve 145 and above the groove 128, the center line to centerline arcuate distance between sleeves 145 and 160 being the arcuatecenter line to center line distance between adjacent tubes 129. Arectangularly shaped plunger 161 is disposed in the rectangularly crosssection bore of the sleeve 160 similar to the plunger 146.

The plunger 161 not only acts to scavenge the groove 128 in case thereis no cracker in position, it also acts to scrape any predeterminedamount of filling material out of the groove 128 ahead of plunger 146.By lowering the plunger 161 deeper into the groove 128, less materialwill be left in the groove 128 to be scraped out by the plunger 146.This adjustment is made by screwing up or down on nut 170. Thisadjustment can be made while the machine is in operation and willregulate the amount of filling material deposited on crackers.

The no cracker device 50 is used primarily to rotate or operate machinebefore crackers reachlocation under nozzles, as in starting the machine,or a double check on the no cracker device 46 in case of a failure atthat point to stop the machine,

The plunger 161 is adapted to be moved to the bottom of the groove 128to fully discharge material therefrom when necessary as is describedbelow, but normally rides in a predetermined position above the bottomof the groove 128 as is clear from Figures 9 and 10. A rod 162threadedly engages the upper end of the plunger 161 and extends(upwardly through a protective tube 163. The upper end of the tube 163threadedly engages an opening in a plate 164, which is secured to theupper end of the shaft 110 by a suitable setscrew 165 extending throughan integral hub thereof (Figures 7, 9, 10, 17 and 18). The lower end ofthe tube 163 threadedly engages a threaded opening in a plate 166 whichis secured to the upper end of the sleeve 160 by suitable screws 167. Acompression spring 168 bearing against the top of the plunger 161 andagainst the lower end of tube 163 biases the plunger 161 downwardly intogroove 128 engaging position. The plunger 161 is normally maintained inits raised position by an adjustable nut 170 engaging one end of abracket 171, and is secured against loosening by a lock nut 172.Manifestly, the lower end of the plunger 161 may be adjusted by the nuts170 and 171 to dispose it at any selected point above the bottom of thegroove 128, so that any predetermined amount of filler material 135 maybe discharged through the nozzles 132, allmaterial 135 above the planeof movement of the lower end of the plunger 161 being removed fromthegroove 128. by the plunger 161 before the plate 141 covers theconcerned groove segment. The bracket 171 is slidably disposed on theplate 164 as shown in F-ignres anchored in the plate 164. A solenoid 178is secured on the plate 164 and includes a plunger 179 which isconnected to the vertical wall of the bracket 171 as shown. Energizationof the coil of the solenoid 178 eifects movement of the bracket 171 tothe right, considering Figure 18, and thus removes the bracket 171 frombeneath the nut 170, thereby permitting the spring 168 to move theplunger 161 into the groove 128. For energizing the coil of the solenoid178, there is provided a micro-switch 181 which is conveniently mountedbeneath and is connected to an arcuate plate 184 (Figure 7), themicro-switch 181 including the usual actuator button which is engageableby a pivotally mounted lever 182 mounted on a pivot screw 183 secured tothe upper surface of the arcuate plate 184 mounted on posts 185 Weldedor otherwise secured to the plate 72 (Figure 13). It is to be noted thatthe arcuate plate 184 supports the outer member 96 of the trough at theleft end of the machine 35 when considering Figure 1. At its free end,the lever 182 includes a boss 187 which is biased against a pivotallymounted arcuate member 188 by a tension spring 189, the arcuate member188 forming a segment of the outer member 96 of the trough 95 and beingmovable inwardly a predetermined amount upon failure of a cracker in thetrough 95 between any two of the posts 88. The lever 182 includes anextension 190 which extends outwardly and downwardly and supports anadjustable screw 191 disposed beneath the arcuate plate 184 in aposition to contact the button of the micro-switch 181 as aforesaid whenthe lever 182 is pivoted inwardly under the influence of the spring 189upon failure of a cracker in the trough 95. Actuation of themicro-switch 181 effects energization of the coil of the solenoid 178-to withdraw the bracket 171 from beneath the nut 170, thereby throwingthe plunger 161 and clearing the channel 128 of filler material.

There is provided a filler material cut-off wire 195 which is stretchedacross the trough 95 in a manner to just clear the bottoms of thenozzles 132 (Figures 12 and 14). One end of the wire 195 is secured to ascrew 196 which threadedly engages the inner member 96 of the trough 95,the other end being secured to the free end of a lever 197 pivotallymounted on a post 198 supported by the arcuate plate 184. A compressionspring 199 mounted on a bolt 200 biases the lever 197 outwardly tomaintain the cutting wire 195 taut.

One preferred configuration of the bottom cracker receiver chute 40 asshown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 and comprises a three-sided trough 205including a closed vertically extending lower end 206. Suitable braces207 and 208 mounted on the plate 72 support the trough 205. The lowerend of the vertical portion 206 rests on the members 96 of the trough95, being welded or otherwise secured thereto as is shown in Figure 4.The bottom cracker rests on the bottom of the trough 95, and, as isclear from Figure 5, the bottom crackers 100 are adapted to be movedsuccessively from the stack by posts 88.

The trough 205 is shaped as shown to provide an anguof one arm 215 ofthe bell crank lever 210 extends into an' opening 216 in a wall-of thevertical portion 206 of' the trough 205 in a position to engage-crackers100 in the portion 206, as is clear from'Figures Sand 6. The.

lever 210'is positioned so that the free end of thearm' 215 .is disposedat a level above the'bottomof the trough 95 so as. to permit asinglecracker 100 to be moved from the bottom of the stack, but other.crackers are retained in position. The screw 218 permits adjustment ofthe bell crank lever 210 as required.

As stated, no cracker devices 46 and 46' are associated with the-chutes40 and 42. The device 46 adjacent the chute 40 includes a pair of spacedrunners 220. Each runner 220 is mounted on the foot of a bracket 221which are secured on a transversely disposed shaft 222, the shaft'222being threaded and receiving suitable nuts 223 which secure the brackets221 in adjusted positions. One end of the shaft 222 engages the free endof a lever 224 which is pivotally mounted on the shaft 211 exteriorly ofthe bracket 212 (Figures and 6). A counter balance weight 225 isprovided for the device 46 which threadedly engages the free end of arod 226 which is anchored in the lever-224 near the pivotal mountthereof, as is clear from Figure 5. Beneath the lever 224 is amicro-switch 228 or the like having the usual actuator button which isadapted to be engaged by the lever 224 upon failure of a cracker 100between any pair of posts 88. The microswitch 228 is connected bysuitable leads in series with the power circuit of the motor 52 and withstandard motor brakes, and is adapted to deenergize and apply brakes tothe motor 52 upon engagement of its actuator button by the lever 224.Standard brakes are desirable to prevent overrun of the machine 35. Ifdesired, the micro-switch 228 may also be connected into a circuit forenergizing a warning signal so that an operator will know that themachine 35 has stopped. Optionally, the micro-switch 228'may beconnected only in a circuit for energizing a'warning signal so that anoperator may remove the upper cracker which will ultimately be depositedin the empty space, but the machine 35 will continue to operate. Noelectrical circuit is shown for the micro-switch 228, since it isobvious from the foregoing description and anyonewould be able toconnect the micro-switch 228 and the motor 52 or the micro-switch 228main warning de vice from the instant disclosure. It-is contemplatedthat the weight 225 will beadjusted to a fine point in respect to therunners 220 and the brackets 221 so that a minimum of weight rests uponthe crackers 100, thereby minimizing any damage to the crackers 100.

The top cracker receiver chute 42 is like the chute 40, and, hence, thesame reference numerals primed'have been given to like. parts. The lowerend of the trough portion 206' rests upon and is secured to platformsegments 232 which are disposed above the elements 96 of the trough 95(Figure 20). At this point, the trough 95'is disposed closer to thechain "87 than at the pick-up point of the bottom cracker 100, theplatform segments 232 being located in respect to the posts 88 to permitthe posts 88 to move the lowermost cracker 101 from the stack, as shownin Figure 20. The platform segments 232 include ramp portions 233 foreasing the upper cracker 101 onto the charge of filling material 135disposed on the bottom cracker 100.

The cracker release unit 44 adjacent the chute 42 is the same as theunit 44 adjacent the chute, and, hence, the

same reference numerals primed have been employed to designate theseveral parts.

Similarly, the no cracker device 46 associated with and adjacent thechute 42 is like the device 46, and, hence, the same reference numeralsprimed have been employed to designate the several parts. The'device 46'functions .in the samermanner'as the device 46, the associated.micro-switch 228 being connected in. series with therpowercircuit of'themotor. 42, .and/ or in series with the'power circuit of some warningdevice.

The sandwich 'presser device '47 is disposed in the path of travelofsthe completed sandwich 239 after it leaves the" device 46: andincludes a presser roller 240 freely rotatably mounted on a stub shaft241 in the form of a bolt secured to theupper end of an adjustablebracket 242 by a suitable nut 243 (Figure 22 and 23). The adjustablebracket 242 is. mounted on the'plate 72 and is secured thereto bysuitable bolts244. Hence, the roller 240 is adjustable'in respectto itsclearance of the bottom of the trough so'th'at it is adapted to pressthe sandwiches 239-to the thickness desired. The roller 240 includes anannular :channel 245 totreceive the upper ends of the posts 88-as theypass along. For centering sandwiches 239 'approaching the roller 240,there are provided opposed gate members 248 pivotally mounted on posts249 supported by and secured to the plate 72, the free ends of the gatemembers 248 engaging the'roller 240 when a small sandwich 239' or nosandwich is approaching the roller 240. Leaf springs 250 bias the gates248 toward the roller 240, the leaf springs 250 being mounted onbrackets 251 supported by and secured to the plate 72. It is manifestthat the gates 248 replace segments of the side walls of the members 96forming the trough 95.

As is clear from Figure 1 taken with Figure 22, the discharge trough 58receives the sandwiches 239 as they leave the presser roller 240. Thesandwich discharge end of the trough 58 isdiagrarnmatically illustratedin Figure 29 in conjunction with preferred cracker sandwich stack ingmechanism 60. The trough 58 terminates in an apron 260 having an opening261 therein. An air jet 262 is disposed behind the apron 260 fordischarge through the opening261. Beneath the apron'260 is a continuousbelt 263 driven from'the motor 52 by a belt 264 and the necessarypulleys and gearing.

As the sandwiches 239 drop down the apron 260, the air jet 262 throwsair against them toturn them into the position shown in Figure 29, andthe continuous belt 263 conveys the stacked cracker sandwiches 239 to awaiting wrap ping machine or the like.

It is noted that the motor 52 is connected to the speed chain unit 54 byan endless belt 270 and that the latter is connected 'to the gearreduction unit 56 by an endless belt 271. Suitable pulleys on the motor52 and the units 54 and56 receive the endless belts 270 and 271. Themotor 52'and the units 54 and 56 are securely bolted to transverselydisposed supporting members 273, 274 and- 275, respectively, which aresup-ported on the lower longitudinal frame members 74. A lever 277extends through the plate 72 for changing the speed of the speed-changeunit 54 (Figure 2). A starting switch 278 having on and off buttons 279and 280, respectively, is provided and is conveniently located on theplate 72 as is shown in Figure 2.

Operation It is manifest from the foregoing that, upon pressing the onbutton279, the motor 52 will be energized to turn the shaft 105'toeifect rotation of the sprocket 86 and the chain 87 and therethrough thesprocket 85. Since the plate 122 of the filler material receiving,mixing and discharging mechanism 48 is secured to the sprocket 85, theplate 122 and the connected parts including the sleeves 129 and nozzles132 will rotate with it. Assuming that the two chutes 40 and 42 are fullof crackers and 101, respectively, movement of the chain 87 with itsposts-88 beneath the chute 40 will cause each post 88, in turn, to movethe bottom cracker 100 from the bottom of the stack. The crackers 100Will be pushed by the posts 88 along the trough 95 until they passbedistance apart centerrtocenter, soithat, as each post 88-- zles 132being a little ahead of the respective posts 8.8 so that filler materialwill be properly deposited upon the cracker 100 and not upon the post88. It is manifest from Figure 12 that the posts 88, pushed crackers100,

andthe nozzles 132 move in a fixed relationship for onehundred andeighty degrees of rotation of the plate 122..

Hence, there is ample time for deposit of ,filler material on thecrackers 100. As shown in the drawings, and considering Figures 7through 12, the plate 122 is rotated counterclockwise so that fillermaterial 135 in the groove 128 between tubes 129 is forced into themonth 130 of each tube 129 by and as it approaches the stationaryplunger146, the amount of filler material 135 in the groove 128 for dischargebeing determined by the position of the plunger 161. Noting Figures 8and 12, it is clear that the stationary plunger 146 is located justahead of the cut-off wire 195, so that the filler material 135 ispromptly severed from the nozzle 132 immediately upon extrusion thereof.Manifestly adjustments may be made in respect to location of the plate141 which supports the plunger 146 through loosening and retighteningthe setscrew 143, and, if necessary, the cut-01f wire 195 may berelocated upon the arcuate plate 184 if required. The crackers 100receive filler material 135 from the nozzles 132 while in motion, and,after receiving the filler material 135 severed by the cut-off wire 195,pass on to successive positions beneath the chute 42 containing the topcrackers 101. Considering Figures 20 and 21, each post 88 pushes thebottom cracker 100 from the. stack in the chute 42, then slides it downthe ramp portion 233 until it rests upon the filler material 135,thereby forming a loose sandwich 239. The trough 95 is, of course, at agreater distance below the tops of the posts 88 at the point beneath thechute 42 than beneath the chute 40 in order that the posts 88 may pickup and push the top crackers 101, there being an inclined portion in thetrough 95 between the tangential point of the sprocket 85 and a pointjust forwardly of the chute 42, as is clear from Figure l.

The loose sandwiches 239 are pushed between the gate members 248 whichcenter them in respect to the roller 240. The sandwiches 239 are pushedbeneath the roller 240 which is adjusted to the desired height forproviding sandwiches 239 of desired thickness. The roller pressedsandwiches 239 are moved onto the discharge trough 58 and thence to thestacking mechanism 60 illustrated in Figure 29. The sandwiches 239 areblown over into the contacting positions as shown in Figure 29 whichexpedites packaging, since known packing or wrapping ma- 1 chinery willreadily receive the sandwiches thus positioned.

The cracker release units 44 and 44' permit a single bottom cracker at atime to be pushed out from beneath the respective stack by the posts 88(Figures and The units .44 and 44 are adjustable to allow for difierentthicknesses of crackers or the like from which the sandwiches areformed.

The no cracker devices 46 and 46" stop the machine upon failure of apost 88 to pick up either a bottom cracker 100 or a top cracker 101.Each unit 46 and 46 is balanced so that the weight on the crackers 100and 101 is not sufiicient to damage even relatively fragile crackers.Upon failure of a bottom cracker 100 or a top cracker 101, the spacedrunners 220 or 220 respectively, drop into the space normally occupiedby the respective cracker, thereupon actuating the respectivemicro-switch 228 or 228' to open the circuit of the motor 52. As ismentioned above, this no cracker action of the devices 46 and 46 mayalso set off an alarm electrically' actuated, or, in the alternate, mayset olf an alarm so an operator will know that an incomplete sandwichwill be ultimately discharged by the machine 35.

As stated above, filler material 135 is not discharged from a nozzle 132when there is no cracker 100 beneath it. This no cracker device 50 isreadily understood from the above description, particularly consideringFigures 812, 17 and 18. The arcuate member 188 forming a portion of thetrough 95 is moved inwardly under the action of the spring 189 actingthrough the lever 182 upon failure of a particular post 88 to pick up acracker 100. Thereupon, the micro-switch 181 is actuated to effectenergization of the solenoid 178 to withdraw the bracket 171 frombeneath the nut 170 to permit the spring 168 to lower the plunger 161into the groove 128, which thereupon plows the filler material 135 fromthe groove 128 so that there is no filler material 135 for the plunger146 to force into the mouth 130 of the concerned tube 129. Manifestly,if there is a cracker 100 in the next space being pushed by the nextpost 88, the member 188 will be moved to its normal position against theforce of the spring 189 by such cracker 100 and the micro-switch 181will be released, whereupon the solenoid 178 will be deenergized and thebracket 171 will be moved beneath the nut as the rod 162 is raised uponthe plunger 161 riding upwardly over the top of the tube 129 immediatelyfollowing the cleaned-out groove segment. The relationship of the member188 and the plunger 161 is such that deenergization of the solenoid 178occurs just as or just before the rod 162 is moved to its highest pointin the travel of the plunger 161 over the upper end of the concernedtube 129.

The machine 35 will produce cracker sandwiches 239 or the like at a highrate of speed, four to six hundred peanut buttercracker sandwiches beingformed per minute, although a lesser number may be formed if desired,the speed of the chain 87 being changeable through manipulation of thespeed-change lever 77.

In Figures 25 through 2.8 is shown a modified form of mechanism formoving crackers or the like into positions for engagement by the pusherposts 88. The power train' chutes 300 and 301 have openings 306 and 307at the bottom of each of a size and height to permit the bottom crackerto be pushed laterally therefrom onto the trough 95 and platformsegments 232, respectively. Cracker release units 310 and 310' areassociated with the chutes 300 and 301, respectively, which areidentical in construction, the latter being more particularly shown indetail in Figures 25 and 26, and including an L-shaped lever 311pivotally mounted on a pin 312' supported at the free end of a bracket313 secured by suitable screws 314 to the side of the chute 301. Thefree foot of the lever 311' extends into an opening 315 formed in theside of the chute 301 into position to permit dis the crackers 100 and101, respectively. As is clear from is formed in the plates 321 and 323which receives the ball head 327 of a member 328 telescopically receivedby a tube portion 329 of an oscillating arm 330. A compression spring331 (not shown) urges the member 328 into engagement with the socket326. The arm 330 is mounted intermediate its ends foroscillativemovement on a screw 334' exteuding intoth'e end of a post33(Figure 1) sup portedbya vertically disposed plate 335 in turn supportedby opposed vertical frame members 73; being secured thereto by suitablescrews 336. A roller 337 is rotatably mounted on the lower free end ofthe arm 330 by asuitable nut and bolt assembly 338. The ram 320 and thearm 330' are identical with the just described ram 320 andarm 330;primed reference numerals being employed to designate like parts.A'heavy tension spring 340 biases the arms 330 and 330 about the pivotscrews 334 and'334' to spread the rams 320 and 320", this biasing actionbeing opposed by a cam 341, the collar 342 of which is secured to adriven shaft 343 by a suitable pin 344;

Referring to Figure 1, the driven shaft 343 is rotatably mountedinbearings 345 and 346 supported on transverse bracing frame members 347which are suitably secured tovertical frame members 73. A bevelledpinion 348 is secured'to one end of the driven shaft 343 by a suitablesetscrew or the like and engages a bevelled gear 349 secured by asuitable pin 350 or the like to the shaft 105'for rotation therewith. Atthe other end of the shaft 343-is a balance'wheel 351 secured thereto bya suitable setscrew 352 or the like.

The shaft 343 is driven in timed relation with the movement of-the chain87 and the posts 88 so that a bottom cracker 100 and a top cracker 101are simultaneously discharged onto the trough 95 and the platformsegments 232, respectively, ahead'of each post 88. The spring 340returns the arms 330 and 330 to thepositions shown in Figure 5.Otherwise, the action of the modified machine 35 is the same asthat'described above.

It is manifest that there has been provided a sandwich making machinewhich fulfills the objects and advantagessought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration andexample. It is also to be understood that changes in form of theelements, rearrangement of parts,

and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the presentinvention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1.- A sandwich making comprising, in combination, a bottom sandwichmember receiving longitudinally-split trough, a bottom sandwich memberreceiving chute disposed over said trough so that bottom sandwich mem--bers therein are stackedthereon, an endless pusher-mechanism includingspaced posts extending split through said trough and an endless chainsupporting said posts adapted to successively move lowermost bottomsandwich members from said chute and to push them along said trough,filler material receiving and discharging mechanism ineluding arotatably mounted casing having peripherally arranged discharge nozzlesdisposed for a portion of their path of rotation over a portion of saidtrough and of said endless chain, and means for discharging fillermaterial from said nozzles, a split trough segment disposed in alignedrelation over said split trough anddisposed at a point past said casingand its discharge nozzles, a top sandwich memberreceiving chute disposedover said trough segment and said trough said split trough segmentreceiving top sandwich members stacked in said last-mentioned chute inthe path of said posts for successive pick-up of bottom top sandwichmembers by said posts, means for directing top sandwich members ontofiller material carrying bottom sandwich members, means for pressingformed sandwiches to predetermined thickness, and means for dischargingcompleted sandwiches from said pushing engagement by said posts.

2. A sandwich making machine comprising, in combination, a split troughfor slidingly supporting sandwich.

members; means for dispensing sandwich members including a relativelyshort vertical'chute portion disposed over said tro ugh and employingthe same as a bottom therefor, said'means further including a relativelylong chute portion disposed at an inclination to the horizontal andhaving its lower end in communication with the upper end ofsaid'relatively short chute portion, and movable conveyor meansincluding spacedvertical posts extending upwardly through said'splittrough for removing sandwich members successively from said dispensingmeans and moving them along said trough.

3. In a sandwich making machine, in combination, a-

firstslotted trough for slidingly supporting bottom sandwich members,means for dispensing bottom sandwich members including a chute disposedto one side of said first trough, a second'slottedtrough for slidinglysupporting top sandwich members, said second trough being disposeddirectly above a portion of said first trough, means for dispensing topsandwich members including a chute disposed'to one side of saidsecondtrough, power actuatable means for simultaneously displacing a bottomsandwich member from said first-mentioned chute onto said first troughand a top sandwich member from said second mentioned chute onto saidsecond trough, and movable means for moving successively displacedbottom sandwich members along said first trough to a position directlybeneath respective successively displaced top sandwich members and forthereafter moving said vertically related bottom and top sandwichmembers along said first and second troughs, respectively, said lattermeans including a supported" endless chain and spaced posts carriedthereby, each of said posts being adapted to extend vertically throughsaid first and second troughs to push first a bottom sandwichmemberonly-and'subsequently both a bottomand a top sandwich member.

In a sandwich makingmachine, conveyor means for handling sandwichmembers, said means comprising a first and a secondslotted trough, saidsecond trough ineluding adischarge end thereof being disposed directlyabove a portion of said'first trough, an endless chain dis-- posed atleast in part directly beneath said first and second troughs, spacedposts carried by said chain and arranged to extendvertical'ly throughboth of said troughs, each of said posts being thereby adapted to engagea bottom sandwich member disposed in said first trough and thereafter topush said bottom sandwich member'continuouslyalong said first troughwhile successively engaging a top sandwich member disposed in saidsecond trough, pushing said top sandwich member continuously along saidsecond trough to the discharge end thereof, discharging said topsandwich member from said second trough into said first trough so as tooverlie said bottom sandwich member, and

pushing said overlying top sandwich member together with i said bottomsandwich member along said first trough, and power means for actuatingsaid chain.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATESPATENTS

